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Three arraigned on drug charges, one pending

By Russ PankoninThe Imperial Republican Wade Ambrosek, 33, and Stephanie Way, 28, both of Haigler; and Phillip Hatton Jr., 36, of Benkelman were arraigned last week in Chase County Court, charged with possession of a controlled substance. A fourth, Kristi Ohrman, 32, also of Benkelman, was released shortly after arrest on her own recognizance due to medical issues. As a result, she will not be arraigned until April 9. Hatton and Ohrman also face additional felony charges for possession of a firearm during a drug violation. Preliminary hearings in county court for the three are set for March 26, where the cases will be bound over to district court. Hatton posted 10 percent bond on the $10,000 bail set by County Judge Edward Steenburg. Way and Ambrosek were released on their own personal recognizance, provided they enter into in-patient drug treatment. As a result, their preliminary hearings will likely be continued to a future date. At their arraignment, Steenburg appointed counsel for the three. The four were arrested at a rural Chase County residence on March 10.